Chapter 1399: Chapter 103: Rebuilding the Nation (End of Volume 5)

Skul smiled and asked, “Who opposes?”

New Reclaimed Land Grand Council Hall, silent.

…

…

[Maplestone City]

[Mikesh family’s mansion]

Old Mikesh shakily poured himself a drink, his hands trembling, as he shook his head repeatedly:

“Good maneuver, truly a good maneuver, openly adding water to the wine, yet he managed to bring the entire freedom of the New Reclaimed Land to heel.”

Old Mikesh’s eldest son—a burly middle-aged man—was indignant: “What restructuring of the National Assembly? Aren’t the newly added representatives merely puppets for the military? Now the Freedom Conference is just for show.”

“Even without adding water to the wine, the entire Freedom Conference would become a mere display. There are too many people; nothing can be accomplished.” Kai Morland sank into the soft chair, tugging at his hair, muttering to himself: “Power naturally concentrates; real power will always be held by a few. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be what they call the Supreme Committee—six provinces and one city. They should leave the Maplestone City vote for us.”

Old Mikesh’s eldest son impatiently waved away the maid helping him remove his boots, speaking harshly: “What good is one vote? They are clearly just placating us. Out of seven votes, they take six—Blood Wolf two votes, that bald-headed fool two votes, Skul one vote, His Excellency Magash one vote. As long as two of their sides come to consensus, our vote won’t matter at all!”

“This is already the best condition we could have negotiated. We still have one vote in the Supreme Committee, don’t we?” Kai Morland propped himself up, gathering his energy to soothe the Mikesh father and son:

“Moreover, they are bound by the ‘separation law,’ so as long as they still wish to command troops, they cannot enter the National Assembly. And why do you think Skur Meklen and Magash Colvin are willing to accept only one vote each? Even though their power has greatly diminished, their status is equal to the other two. I suspect there’s something tricky here. Our vote is certainly valuable, I will show you its worth.”

“I hope so.” Old Mikesh sighed.

The old man slowly lay down on the chaise by the window and sighed deeply: “Times are bad… If given a choice, I would rather return to the era when General Adams held New Reclaimed Land authority than want this vote.”

“Indeed.” Kai Morland poured himself a glass of wine as well, gazing at the dark red liquid, and expressed:

“And they were right, what freedom fighters, and what Freedom Conference, simply ‘have no ability to fight for Paratu, no will to fight for Paratu, not even the desire to fight for Paratu.

“Whoever comes, the freedom fighters are obedient people. Whoever has the bigger fist, the freedom fighters serve them. If the Freedom Conference truly were to take charge, that would really benefit the Federated Provinces Mud Men.

“Only they are the defenders of the Republic. From childhood, they are molded, until they ultimately become weapons of the Alliance and the Republic.

“They possess a greater sense of ownership than the freedom fighters, with not just a passion to defend the Republic, but also a fervor to transform the Republic…”

Young Mikesh discontentedly said, “Your Excellency Kai Morland, why do you boost others’ morale while dampening your own spirit?”

“Just some simple truths.” Kai Morland smiled: “In fact, compared to freedom fighters, I resonate more with them.”

After a moment of silence, Kai Morland lamented: “They love Paratu more than we do; all tragedies of the First Republic stem from this.”

Old Mikesh, hearing this, also fell into silence.

Young Mikesh scratched his head, troubled: “But today you gave them quite some trouble; others might not mind, but that bald fool is petty, I’m afraid your days ahead won’t be easy.”

Kai Morland shook his head, smiling:

“It doesn’t matter, what I aim to do is not to eliminate them, but to assist them;

“What I aim to do is not to deny their love for the motherland, but to let more freedom fighters love the motherland like they do.

“If they truly could keep their promises, then it matters little, us versus them. His Excellency Gaisa Adonis ultimately won’t want my life.”

Seeing Kai Morland was resolved, Young Mikesh said no more, but thinking of their near success today, he couldn’t help but feel regret: “Alas, just a little more. Just a little more, and we could have accomplished the task.”

“No.” Kai Morland suddenly said: “I actually think things are best as they are now.”

Young Mikesh was puzzled.

Kai Morland patiently explained: “Learning to use a firearm takes a week, learning to wield a sword takes a year. Power is more dangerous than firearms and swords, letting freedom fighters easily taste the power’s flavor is akin to handing a loaded gun to a child. Given power only leads to misuse. Only power struggled for will be prudently used. In any case, we have preserved the seed of constitutionalism. Next, it’s about patiently watering it and waiting for it to sprout and grow.”

“Constitutionalism? As long as they don’t bother us too much.” Young Mikesh sneered: “I’ll be thankful enough. What do you plan to do next?”

“Next, I intend to vie for the position of ‘Speaker.’

“Ah?” Young Mikesh was astonished: “According to them, isn’t the Speaker merely a figurehead?”

Kai Morland confidently said: “Trust me, a suitable position in the right person’s hands can yield extraordinary results.”